ICMSA responds to developments at Wexford Creamery

Following a recent meeting of national and local ICMSA officers with Wexford Creamery, ICMSA president John Comer said the association has decided to support the proposals put forward by Wexford Creamery and Glanbia Ingredients Industry Limited (GIIL) and views it as a step forward for Wexford Creamery suppliers towards ensuring that the best possible milk price and profits can be returned to them into the future.

“The document proposed is a good deal for Wexford farmers with the benefits clear to all members. It is obvious that management in Wexford Creamery have negotiated a fair deal for their members but also that GIIL will gain from the proposal with increased processing capacity and scale. It is a ‘win-win situation’ with both sides benefiting from economies of scale which will leave both companies in a far stronger position if the vote is carried. Wexford Creamery farmers will receive the GIIL price from the date the deal is concluded and that difference stands at 2.75 cent per litre with levies included; they will also receive a dividend per share of €2.50,” he explained.

“Benefits for the Wexford producers also include their independence in temporary leasing and flexi-milk, which will be a welcome relief in this super-levy year. The average Wexford supplier stands to gain a dividend of over €5,000, almost €2,500 in reduction in levies and more than €6,000 in milk price revenue. It is the view of ICMSA – the State’s specialist dairy farmers’ organisation – that this deal is favourable for Wexford milk suppliers and they should accept it when the vote arises.”.

He added: “ICMSA would encourage all its members supplying Wexford Creamery to objectively assess the proposals and make their decision based on the potential future profits that can be achieved. ICMSA believes that supporting the proposal is the best course of action,” concluded Comer.

Meanwhile, ICMSA deputy president Pat MacCormack has been commenting on the latest release of superlevy figures by the Department of Agriculture showing that the country is 0.9 per cent over quota for the end of October.

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He noted the State will be over quota at the end of March unless a ‘supply shock’ hits in the next number of months. McCormack said the situation is worrying for farmers who are preparing for the removal of quota in 2015 and have already increased their production and he added that farmers may have to dry the whole herd off as soon as possible – if they haven’t done so already.

Noting reports that individuals not registered as milk purchasers have been approaching farmers with offers to buy milk, McCormack stressed that no such offer could be entertained and ICMSA categorically urged milk suppliers to have nothing to do with any party other than their designated milk purchaser.